The fictional character Sherlock Holmes, having first appeared in publication in 1887, is a London-based detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Easily the most recognized fictional detective, Holmes is known for his intelligent, analytical, and deductive capabilities.  Assisting Holmes with his investigations is his good friend Dr. John H. Watson.

The character of Sherlock Holmes was the central figure in many of the most enjoyable detective movies of the 1930s and the 1940s. My favorite actor playing the role of Holmes was Basil Rathbone, with Nigel Bruce in the role of Dr. Watson. The two starred together in a series of films that ran from 1939-1946. However, this famous detective has been around on the movie screen since the 1916 silent film Sherlock Holmes, starring actor William Gillette. Acting legend John Barrymore also played the title role in the 9 reel silent film of the same name produced in 1922. 

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One of the most popular types of film with movie-going audiences is, and has always been, the mystery suspense thriller. This enjoyable combination of plot elements has its roots as far back as the early silent films. The characters and plots used in these mysterious and suspenseful movies released between the 1920s and 1950s are still remembered today, and have been replicated countless times throughout motion picture history. 

These plot components have proven to be so flexible that they can successfully crossover into many movie genres such as; horror, crime, westerns, science fiction, and even comedy. Take a good thriller that builds some nail-biting suspense while adding a little bit of mystery for the audience and there is a good chance the movie will be a winner. 

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Who doesn’t like a good mystery? Mystery based movies have always been, and always will be, loved by movie fans. A good Hollywood mystery with a solid story line, a healthy dose of suspense, and an often violent portrayal of crime is almost guaranteed to provide you with a heaping portion of thrills and chills.

When it comes to mystery and suspense classics, Director Alfred Hitchcock is legendary. His contributions to this movie genre are virtually unequaled in the history of motion pictures. One of Hitchcock’s classic thrillers is Rear Window, released in 1954. This film successfully combines a murder mystery with an examination of personal ethics. James Stewart plays magazine photographer L.B. Jefferies who sits confined to his wheelchair as a result of a broken leg. 

To help pass the time, Jefferies watches his neighbors from the rear window of his third-floor apartment. Directly across from his apartment live salesman Lars Thorwald (Raymond Burr) and his bedridden wife. The two quarrel often. It isn’t long before Jefferies penchant for voyeurism has him convinced that Lars has murdered and dismembered his wife. Rear Window is a mystery and suspense classic, and is widely considered as one of Hitchcock’s very best.

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